Ontario-based automotive parts maker Magna International Inc. is expanding operations to add aluminum casting capabilities at its Kamtek facility in Birmingham, Ala.
Magna invested approximately US$60 million to add the 150,000-square-foot facility. At full capacity, the expansion has the potential to generate more than 100 jobs, the company said.
The new facility will feature a manufacturing process – high-pressure aluminum casting – that further enables Magna to provide vehicle lightweighting and part-reduction solutions. “The new capabilities improve upon traditional steel multi-piece welded assemblies, which can take upwards of 12 stampings to produce one structural component,” Magna said in a statement. “High-pressure aluminum casting allows production of full structures in one piece, reducing vehicle mass without compromising performance, structural integrity or safety.”
“We remain focused on lightweighting to help improve fuel economy while decreasing vehicle emissions over time,” said John Farrell, president of Cosma International, Magna’s body and chassis operating unit. “The Kamtek expansion demonstrates our dedication to meeting these challenges head-on through leading-edge manufacturing processes that streamline vehicle weight reduction for our customers.”
The Kamtek facility employs approximately 850 people and produces structural components for various customers including Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Nissan. The new facility will initially produce lightweight aluminum front shock towers for a major global automaker, with additional customers and programs expected in the future.
